Academics

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Academics

The academic program at St. Pius X seeks to meet the needs of all students. Through the testing program, counselor and teacher recommendations and consultation with parents, students are placed in courses which take into consideration the course objectives and goals as well as the aspirations, academic skills, and emotional maturity of the student.

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Course Levels

Academic departments generally offer courses on three levels: AP- Advanced Placement, H- Honors, and CP- College Preparatory. Students are not placed in the same level in all subject areas. They are placed in different levels depending on their aptitude and performance in the various disciplines.

The College Prep courses at St. Pius X are rigorous programs of study which prepare the students for the demands of competitive colleges. College Prep courses accommodate student learning styles by using two teaching formats. Some College Prep courses require greater independence and more long term assignments. Others are more structured with daily homework assignments, frequent quizzes and long term projects broken into several steps. It should be noted that most of these classes use the same textbook as other level classes.

Honors and Advanced Placement courses are filled by invitation only and are designed to meet the needs of students who have a high level of responsibility, who are capable of independent work, and who possess highly-developed thinking skills. Students enrolled in these courses who do not continue to demonstrate these qualities will have their invitations withdrawn.

Courses labeled AP include an 8 point addition in the final numeric average, provided the final average is not below 70.00%. ll students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP exam in May and must pay an exam fee of $90 - $95.

Grade Scale

St. Pius X issues numeric grades to its students. The grade interpretations are as follows:

90 - 108 = A

80 - 89 = B

74 - 79 = C

70 - 73 = D

Below 70 = F

INC = Incomplete

If work is not completed within two weeks after the semester ends, the Incomplete becomes a numeric grade. In extenuating circumstances, a student may appeal for a time extension to a committee composed of the Dean of Academics and the Dean of Students.

Graduation Requirements

Credits

Subject

4

Theology (.5 per semester at St. Pius X)
- see Works of Mercy Requirement below

4

English * +
- English Literature/Composition I
- English Literature/Composition II
- American Literature/College Writing
- British Literature/College Writing

Social Studies * +
- World History
- US History
- Government/Economics

0.5

Physical Education
- Health & Wellness (.5)

0.5

Computer Applications

2

Electives

24 Total

* Denotes core academic area
+ AP Courses may be taken in place of equivalent required courses

Works of Mercy Requirement

Students are required to take part in the Works of Mercy Apostolic Program as part of their ongoing Catholic formation. Students are to complete their Works of Mercy service requirements outside of the regularly scheduled school day unless the project is a Campus Ministry/St. Pius sponsored event (ie; Mission trip and March for Life).

Students must complete five (5) Apostolic Projects per year. Each project must be no less than two hours in length. Of the five projects, at least three (3) must be from the Works of Mercy list found on the spx.org web site. The remaining two projects are the choice of the student, but must be approved by Campus Ministry. Specific concerns about projects must be addressed by Campus Ministry prior to completion.

Failure to meet the requirements of the program will be reflected in a 10 point deduction from the second semester Theology grade. In addition, seniors who do not complete the requirement will not be allowed to walk at the graduation ceremony. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who do not complete the requirement will not be allowed to be out of uniform on any day for the following school year.